Is it worth it to fix a point and shoot ?

<p>Children Love them but they are high maintence. 2 of mine broke their digital P&Ss this weekend in speerate events. <br /> A nikon coolpics which was about $200 a year ag0, failed its drop test and the rear LCD screen is history.<br /> A fujifilm $200 P&S was left in a backpack and stepped on also breaking the rear screen.<br /> Are they toast or should I look into getting them fixed. ( the cameras, not the kids)</p>

<p>The repair price lists I have seen range between $80-$160 minimum estimate, because there might be additional cost for some parts.<br>

I would say- usually it's just not worth to have p&s camera fixed- it's almost price of new unit.</p>

<p>point and shoots are a throw away item these days. Buy an Olympus "Tough" series camera. Pretty much indestructable. There are different pic quality levels of them, but from what I've seen only the most expensive is truely admirable for picture quality.</p>

<p>specs from one of the cheaper ones</p>

 

<dl><dt>• Shock Proof </dt><dd>Rugged metal body and revolutionary shock-absorbing construction are designed to withstand a 5-foot drop, bump, or other mishap. Meets Mil-Std 810F </dd></dl><dl><dt>• Waterproof </dt><dd>A revolutionary system of waterproof seals and gaskets keeps water out at depths up to 10' </dd></dl><dl><dt>• Freeze Proof </dt><dd>Winterized to perform at below-freezing temperatures <em>(14°F/-10°C)</em> </dd></dl>

<p>While the cameras probably can't be economically fixed, digicam prices are pretty stunning if you consider what they were just a few years ago, unless you are made of money, you do need to fix the kids. I don't consider $200 cameras disposables and they probably shouldn't either. If you had to replace $400 in house or car windows because of accidents, would you not spend some time considering how to emphasize that these "accidents" can't keep happening?</p>

<p>I think you should fix the kids ... but then I'm a grumpy old man .. I suggest their next camera should be something like a Coolipix but even those are quite expensive. perhaps after you encased it in epoxy, not the lens and viewfinder though :-)</p>

<p>Personally, I would not bother sending them out for repair. One way you could offset your costs, though, would be to sell the broken ones on ebay. It seems the real handy types (and repair guys) pick up bits and pieces. I've sold at least one digital camera that had a broken part (lens would not extend). Sold for like $30 with the box, etc. Hopefully someone made a frankenstein out of it, good luck!</p>

<p>If you are going to buy new cameras, certainly the Olympus Tough series is a good option here. The most expensive one adds "Crush-proof" to the list of features (up to 100 kg/220lbs).</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Are the rear screens broken, or merely the protective covers? On some cameras, the protective screens can be replaced relatively inexpensively and easily (they're generally just attached with some adhesive). An internet search or a call to the camera service or support line can tell you how to order replacement screens. If the actual underlying LCD screen is broken, then I would agree that the camera is probably toast.</p>